With a strong northerly wind blowing straight down the brinkburn pitch from the clubhouse end it was obvious that this was going to have a major effect of the game.

Playing with the wind behind them Penrith started very brightly and forced the Stags defence into conceding an early penalty after 3 minutes which gave them a (0-3) lead. Now acutely aware that any indiscretions in their own half would be punished, the stags worked the ball up-field where after (7) minutes they were awarded a penalty 20 metres out kicked by Wallis (3-3). The Stags then opted to utilise the pick and drive close to the point of breakdown technique which allowed Henderson on the 15 minute mark to surge through the defence from 10 metres out, unconverted (8-3).

This rocked Penrith some poor handling by them allowed the stags pack to surge back up field and within 2 minutes for Coates to touch down , unconverted (13-3). From the kick off the ball was carried forward by the Stags and Robson touched down on the 20 minute mark, unconverted (18-3). The Stags rather eased off slightly allowing Penrith back into the game; where on the cusp of half-time they were awarded a penalty on the half way line (18-6).

The second half began very brightly for the Stags with the wind behind them they began to throw the ball about and in the 47th minute Robson showed his speed by running around the opposition winger and full back from twenty yards out, unconverted. (23-6). Three minutes later after some silky running skills Cheslin A. rounded the defence to score, converted by Wallis (30- 6).

The Penrith pack then began to opt for picking and driving and finally breached a determined Stags defence on the 60 minute mark, unconverted (30- 11). They carried on with these tactics and again breached the defence some 10 minutes later, unconverted (30- 16). After some very good defensive play the Stags finally managed to work the ball down field and were awarded a penalty some twenty metres out 6 minutes from time which was the final score of the match kicked by Wallis (33-16).

This match was a very good workout for the Stags particulary in the forwards in preparation for Wednesday evening’s trip to the Friarage for their 6-30pm kick-off against the Heughers in the Preliminary round of the Pyman cup.

Greenwell (Robinson C. 25), Norris, Coates, Robson ( Jackson 58), Lloyd, Smart, Baggs, Henderson, Cheslin C., Wallis, Cheslin A, Robinson G., Edwards, Butcher, Hare (Parker 40).